Funding to expand MSU food processing and technology program

The Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) is using U.S. Department of Education funding to expand its Food Processing, Technology and Safety (FPTS) workforce training program.

The FPTS certificate program, launched in fall 2019, provides training in processes and technologies used to convert commodities into consumable food products, according to MSU. Program graduates receive an MSU certificate and an associate degree from IAT’s community college partners.

The Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education will provide approximately $2.36 million over four years to support this initiative, allowing the program to increase its community college partners from three to 11.

“This funding allows IAT to create new programming and increase access to FPTS,” said Jeno Rivera, IAT director, in an MSU article. “We have the faculty, resources and facilities to offer FPTS as short-term, stackable micro-credentials that can stand alone or stack into certificates and degrees, making it easier for working adults, incumbent workers and career changers to participate.

“The program implements new industry-specific micro-credentials co-designed with food processing and technology employers across Michigan.”

Carol Distel leads the Agribusiness Talent Council at workforce development program West Michigan Works!

Distel said expanded FPTS program access will give more students the advanced skills needed to lead Michigan’s food industry.

“Students gain awareness and visibility into food processing and safety careers,” she said. “Graduates enter the workforce with industry-recognized skills. This allows us to increase collaboration between education providers and food processors to reinforce curriculum and provide hands-on learning experiences.”

Michigan’s food and agriculture sector employs more than 400,000 people and contributes approximately $104.7 billion annually, yet more than 15,000 food processing jobs remain unfilled as employers struggle to find qualified workers, according to Michigan Farm News.

Funding will also support a second mobile food processing lab that will be available for community college students statewide as part of the FPTS program.